Rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman will make his first NFL start Sunday when the Buffalo Bills (5-4) face the Los Angeles Chargers (3-6) after Tyrod Taylor was benched following a brutal 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

The switch from Taylor to Peterman was made in hopes that the fifth-round draft pick will provide a boost to Buffalo’s offense. Many believe that he’s a better fit for offensive coordinator Rick Dennison’s West Coast system that relies on play-action and quick passes that rely on timing.

But Peterman’s first start won’t be an easy task. The Chargers field an extremely talented defense that starts up front with star defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.

Through nine games, Bosa and Ingram have combined for 76 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, 30 quarterback hits and 99 total pressures. Peterman thrived under pressure during his collegiate career, but for a rookie making his first professional start, these aren’t the two pass rushers you want coming after you. He’ll need to get the ball out quickly, as he did throughout the preseason and during his limited action against the Saints if the Bills’ passing game will have any sort of success.

Los Angeles’ pass rush isn’t the only concern facing Peterman, though. The Chargers’ secondary is one of the NFL’s best. They allow just 208.7 yards-per-game through the air and have only surrendered three passes of 20-plus yards all season.

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Cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Trevor Williams man the sidelines and each have been stellar. Hayward is Pro Football Focus’ No.6 overall cornerback and has allowed just 51.3-percent of targets thrown at him to be caught. Williams has allowed a 50-percent completion rate and opposing quarterbacks have a 67.7 passer rating when throwing at him.

Peterman seemed to be much more aggressive throwing into tight windows than Taylor, which could allow recently-acquired Kelvin Benjamin to thrive, particularly when the 6-foot-5, 245-pound receiver is matched up with Hayward, who stands just 5-foot-11, 188-pounds.

Nonetheless, Peterman will need all the help he can get from his offensive line and wide receivers in order to have a successful NFL debut.

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